Red hair is generally considered to be thicker than blonde or brunette hair. This is because, while redheads have fewer individual strands of hair (around 90,000 on average, compared to 110,000 for blondes and 140,000 for brunettes), each strand is significantly thicker and coarser. This results in a fuller appearance and often makes it easier to style.
Understanding Hair Density and Thickness
It's important to distinguish between hair density (number of strands) and hair thickness (diameter of each strand). Redheads have lower hair density but higher hair thickness. This combination creates the perception of thicker hair.
- Density: The number of hair follicles per square inch of scalp.
- Thickness: The diameter of a single hair strand.
Blondes and brunettes may have more strands, resulting in high density, but their individual strands are thinner, resulting in potentially less overall volume.
Why the Difference?
The difference in hair thickness and density between hair colors is due to genetics and the amount of melanin (pigment) in each hair shaft. Red hair contains a unique type of melanin, pheomelanin, which is associated with thicker hair strands.
Practical Implications
The thicker nature of red hair can lead to:
- Fuller-looking styles: Easier to achieve volume.
- Potential for coarser texture: May feel rougher or less soft.
- Different styling needs: Products and techniques may differ from those used for finer hair types.
